GREAT-grandparents Bill and Jean Hall (pictured) didn't need to trust their luck when they headed for the gambling capital of the world.

For the pair weren't placing bets - but exchanging vows to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

The couple, from Newport, who have four daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-grandson, Dylan, travelled to Las Vegas and renewed their wedding vows to mark their golden wedding anniversary.

Bill and Jean, from Gordon Street, Newport, even got their family to share the day. Daughters Julie and Nicola accompanied them on the trip, and the service was relayed live via the Internet so folks back home could share the moment.

Bill told the Argus he planned the trip because: "I thought it would be nice and something well worth doing."

The ceremony was held at the famous Vegas Little Chapel of Flowers on August 2. And romantic Bill, 74, had a surprise planned for his wife.

"As we were renewing our vows the chaplain asked Bill to put this beautiful gold ring on my finger," said Jean.

"I thought there was some confusion and that the chaplain thought that we were getting married.

"But Bill said that it was for me and he had bought it for me. I couldn't believe it." There was another surprise in store - courtesy of their hotel.

Jean, 69, said: "We were sitting at our table when the waiters came and sang to us and presented us with a cake and champagne.

"When the entertainers from the stage saw what was going on they came and sang to us, too. It was really touching."

Bill, who says he loves his wife even more than he did all those years ago, told the Argus the ceremony was very emotional.

He added: "We even phoned our family to tell them what we were doing so that they could see it happen live on the Internet."

It was a far cry from their original wedding ceremony. The couple were married at St Mary's Church, Wharf Road, Newport - and only have one photograph of the happy occasion.

Bill - originally from London - moved to Newport to work at the town's power station and asked Jean out while on his way to work the afternoon shift.

He said: "I wouldn't say it was love at first sight but I fancied her straightaway."